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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

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Definitive Proxy Statement

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Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 
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GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
333 Lakeside Drive
Foster City, California 94404

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 25, 2004

TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.:

        NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Gilead Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Gilead"), will be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Hotel Sofitel, 223 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, California 94065 for the following purposes:

        The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the Proxy Statement accompanying this Notice.

        The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on April 5, 2004 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to notice of and to vote at this Annual Meeting and at any adjournment or postponement thereof.

Foster City, CA
April 12, 2004

ALL STOCKHOLDERS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON. WHETHER OR NOT YOU EXPECT TO ATTEND THE MEETING, PLEASE COMPLETE, DATE, SIGN AND RETURN THE ENCLOSED PROXY AS PROMPTLY AS POSSIBLE (OR FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS TO GRANT A PROXY TO VOTE BY MEANS OF TELEPHONE OR THE INTERNET) IN ORDER TO ENSURE YOUR REPRESENTATION AT THE MEETING. A RETURN ENVELOPE (WHICH IS POSTAGE PREPAID IF MAILED IN THE UNITED STATES) IS ENCLOSED FOR THAT PURPOSE. EVEN IF YOU HAVE GIVEN YOUR PROXY, YOU MAY STILL VOTE IN PERSON IF YOU ATTEND THE MEETING. PLEASE NOTE, HOWEVER, THAT IF YOUR SHARES ARE HELD OF RECORD BY A BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE AND YOU WISH TO VOTE AT THE MEETING, YOU MUST BRING TO THE MEETING A LETTER FROM THE BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE CONFIRMING YOUR BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP OF THE SHARES. ADDITIONALLY, IN ORDER TO VOTE AT THE MEETING, YOU MUST OBTAIN FROM THE RECORD HOLDER A PROXY ISSUED IN YOUR NAME.


GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
333 Lakeside Drive
Foster City, California 94404

PROXY STATEMENT
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
MAY 25, 2004
INFORMATION CONCERNING SOLICITATION AND VOTING

General

        The enclosed proxy is solicited on behalf of the Board of Directors (the "Board") of Gilead Sciences, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Gilead"), for use at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 10:00 a.m. local time (the "Annual Meeting"), or at any adjournment or postponement thereof, for the purposes set forth herein and in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting. The Annual Meeting will be held on such date at the Hotel Sofitel, 223 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, California 94065.

Solicitation

        Gilead will bear the entire cost of solicitation of proxies including preparation, assembly, printing and mailing of this proxy statement and any additional information furnished to stockholders. Copies of solicitation materials will be furnished to banks, brokerage houses, fiduciaries and custodians holding in their names shares of Gilead's common stock beneficially owned by others to forward to such beneficial owners. Gilead may reimburse persons representing beneficial owners of common stock for their costs of forwarding solicitation materials to such beneficial owners. Original solicitation of proxies by mail may be supplemented by telephone, facsimile or personal solicitation by directors, officers or other employees of Gilead. No additional compensation will be paid to directors, officers or other employees for such solicitation services performed by them.

        Gilead intends to mail this Proxy Statement and the accompanying proxy card on or about April 19, 2004 to all stockholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Stockholder Proposals

        The deadline for submitting a stockholder proposal for inclusion in Gilead's proxy statement and form of proxy for Gilead's 2005 Annual Meeting of Stockholders pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act") is December 13, 2004. Stockholders wishing to submit proposals or director nominations that are not to be included in such proxy statement and proxy must do so no later than February 25, 2005 nor earlier than January 24, 2005.

Voting Rights and Outstanding Shares

        Only holders of record of common stock at the close of business on April 5, 2004 will be entitled to notice of and to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each holder of record of common stock on such date will be entitled to one vote for each share of common stock held on all matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting. At the close of business on April 5, 2004, Gilead had outstanding and entitled to vote 213,989,757 shares of common stock.

        A quorum of stockholders is necessary to hold a valid meeting. A quorum will be present if at least a majority of the outstanding shares are represented by votes at the meeting or by proxy. Each holder of record of common stock on such date will be entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting. The inspector of election appointed for the meeting will tabulate all votes, and will separately tabulate affirmative and negative votes, abstentions and broker non-votes. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast on proposals


presented to the stockholders and will have the same effect as negative votes, except they will have no effect on the election of directors. A "broker non-vote" occurs when a nominee holding shares for a beneficial owner does not vote on a particular proposal because the nominee does not have discretionary voting power with respect to that proposal and has not received instructions with respect to that proposal from the beneficial owner (despite voting on at least one other proposal for which it does have discretionary authority or for which it has received instructions). Broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted for any purpose in determining whether a particular matter has been approved, except for Proposal 4. For Proposal 4, broker non-votes will have the same effect as negative votes.

Voting Via the Internet or by Telephone

        Stockholders may grant a proxy to vote their shares by means of the telephone or on the Internet. The law of the State of Delaware, under which Gilead is incorporated, specifically permits electronically transmitted proxies, provided that each such proxy contains or is submitted with information from which the inspectors of election can determine that such proxy was authorized by the stockholder.

        The telephone and Internet voting procedures below are designed to authenticate stockholders' identities, to allow stockholders to grant a proxy to vote their shares and to confirm that stockholders instructions have been recorded properly. Stockholders granting a proxy to vote via the Internet should understand that there may be costs associated with electronic access, such as usage charges from Internet access providers and telephone companies, which must be borne by the stockholder.

For Shares Registered in Your Name

        Stockholders of record may go to http://www.eproxy.com/gild to grant a proxy to vote their shares by means of the Internet. They will be required to provide the Gilead number and control number contained on their proxy cards. The voter will then be asked to complete an electronic proxy card. The votes represented by such proxy will be generated on the computer screen and the voter will be prompted to submit or revise them as desired. Any stockholder using a touch-tone telephone may also grant a proxy to vote shares by calling 1-800-435-6710 and following the recorded instructions.

For Shares Registered in the Name of a Broker or Bank

        Most beneficial owners whose stock is held in street name receive instruction for granting proxies from their banks, brokers or other agents, rather than Gilead's proxy card.

        A number of brokers and banks are participating in a program provided through ADP Investor Communication Services that offers the means to grant proxies to vote shares by means of the telephone and Internet. If your shares are held in an account with a broker or bank participating in the ADP Investor Communications Services program, you may grant a proxy to vote those shares telephonically by calling the telephone number shown on the instruction form received from your broker or bank, or via the Internet at ADP Investor Communication Services' web site at http://www.proxyvote.com.

General Information for All Shares Voted Via the Internet or By Telephone

        Votes submitted via the Internet or by telephone must be received by 11:59 p.m., Eastern time on May 24, 2004. Submitting your proxy via the Internet or by telephone will not affect your right to vote in person should you decide to attend the Annual Meeting.

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Revocability of Proxies

        Any person giving a proxy pursuant to this solicitation has the power to revoke it at any time before it is voted. It may be revoked by filing with Gilead's Secretary at Gilead's principal executive office, 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404, a written notice of revocation or a duly executed proxy bearing a later date, or it may be revoked by attending the meeting and voting in person. Attendance at the meeting will not, by itself, revoke a proxy.


PROPOSAL 1

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

        There are eight nominees for the eight Board of Directors positions presently authorized by resolution of the Board. Proxies cannot be voted for a greater number of persons than the number of nominees standing for election. Directors are elected by a plurality of the votes present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote. Each director to be elected will hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until his successor is elected and has qualified, or until such director's earlier death, resignation or removal. Each nominee listed below is currently a director of Gilead. Each nominee was previously elected by the stockholders at the 2003 annual meeting of stockholders, except Nicholas G. Moore who was elected by the Board of Directors in March 2004, when the Board temporarily increased the size of the Board to nine members. Dr. Schultz identified Mr. Moore as a Board candidate to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

        Shares represented by executed proxies will be voted, if authority to do so is not withheld, for the election of the eight nominees named below. In the event that any nominee should be unavailable for election as a result of an unexpected occurrence, such shares will be voted for the election of such substitute nominee as Gilead's management may propose. Each person nominated for election has agreed to serve if elected and Gilead's management has no reason to believe that any nominee will be unable to serve.

        Gilead has a standing Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Each member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee meets the standards for independence described by the Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") listing requirements. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee recommended each of the listed nominees to the Board for nomination.

        Cordell W. Hull, a member of the Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee since April 2001, will retire from the Board after the April 2004 Board meeting and will not stand for election at the Annual Meeting. James M. Denny, Chairman of the Board, will become Chairman of the Audit Committee after the April 2004 Board meeting.

THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR EACH NAMED NOMINEE.

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Nominees

        The names of the nominees in alphabetical order and certain information about them as of April 1, 2004, are set forth below:

Name
   Age
   Position With Gilead/Principal Occupation
Paul Berg(1)(2)   77   Cahill Professor Emeritus, Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine
Etienne F. Davignon   71   Vice Chairman, Société Générale de Belgique
James M. Denny(1)(3)   71   Chairman of the Board of Directors of Gilead
John C. Martin   52   President and Chief Executive Officer of Gilead
Gordon E. Moore(3)(4)   75   Chairman Emeritus, Intel Corporation
Nicholas G. Moore(3)(4)   62   Retired Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers
George P. Shultz(1)(3)   83   Distinguished Fellow, Hoover Institution, Stanford University
Gayle E. Wilson(2)(4)   61   Director of Chela Financial, Inc. and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation
(1)
Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

(2)
Member of the Scientific Committee

(3)
Member of the Audit Committee

(4)
Member of the Compensation Committee

        Dr. Berg joined Gilead's Board of Directors in April 1998. Dr. Berg is currently Cahill Professor Emeritus in Cancer Research in the Department of Biochemistry at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he has been on the faculty since 1959. He is Director Emeritus of the Stanford University Beckman Center for Molecular and Genetic Medicine. Dr. Berg is a director of Affymetrix, Inc. He is a founder of and a scientific advisor to the president of Schering-Plough's DNAX Research Institute. Dr. Berg also served on Gilead's Scientific Advisory Board from April 1998 to December 2003. Dr. Berg received the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1980 and the National Medal of Science in 1983.

        Mr. Davignon joined Gilead's Board of Directors in September 1990. He is currently Vice-Chairman of Société Générale de Belgique, a diversified financial and industrial company, and served as its Chairman from 1988 to 2001. Mr. Davignon served as the European Community's Commissioner for Industry and International Markets from 1977 to 1981 and as the European Community's Vice President for Research, Industry and Energy Policies from 1981 to 1984. Mr. Davignon is Chairman of Compagnie de Wagons Lits in France, a director of BASF, Compagnie de Suez, Pechiney and has served as Vice Chairman, Vice President and director for a number of other European companies.

        Mr. Denny joined Gilead's Board of Directors in January 1996 and was elected Chairman of the Board in January 2001. Mr. Denny is retired Vice Chairman and Chief Financial Officer of Sears, Roebuck & Co. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial and Planning Officer of G.D. Searle & Co., as well as Chairman of Pearle Health Services, Inc., a Searle-affiliated company. He is a director of GATX Corporation and ChoicePoint, Inc. Mr. Denny served as Director of Sears, Allstate Corporation, Astra AB, General Instruments, and the Principal Financial Group. He served as a Senior Advisor to William Blair Capital Partners LLC from 1995 to 2000.

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        Dr. Martin has served as Gilead's President and Chief Executive Officer and a member of the Board since April 1996. He joined Gilead in October 1990 as Vice President for Research and Development. From 1984 to 1990 he was employed at Bristol-Myers Squibb, a pharmaceutical company, where he was Director of Antiviral Chemistry. Dr. Martin was with Syntex Corporation from 1978 to 1984. Dr. Martin is the co-inventor of ganciclovir, a pharmaceutical developed by Syntex and now marketed by Roche for the treatment of cytomegalovirus infection. Dr. Martin received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from the University of Chicago. Dr. Martin serves as director of the California Healthcare Institute and the Biotechnology Industry Organization.

        Dr. Gordon Moore joined Gilead's Board of Directors in January 1996 and served as a member of Gilead's Business Advisory Board from July 1991 until January 1996. Dr. Moore is a co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of Intel Corporation, where he previously served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. He also served as Director of Research and Development for the Fairchild Semiconductor Division of Fairchild Camera and Instrument Corporation. Dr. Moore is a member of the Board of Trustees at the California Institute of Technology. He received the National Medal of Technology in 1990 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 2002.

        Mr. Nicholas Moore joined Gilead's Board of Directors in March 2004. Mr. Moore is the recently retired global Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), a professional services firm formed in July 1998 by the merger of Coopers & Lybrand and Price Waterhouse. Mr. Moore was elected Chairman and CEO of Coopers & Lybrand (U.S.) in 1994 and of Coopers & Lybrand International in 1997. Following the merger in July 1998 with Price Waterhouse, Mr. Moore served as CEO of the U.S. firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers for two years and served for three years as global Chairman of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Mr. Moore serves on the Board of Directors of Bechtel Group, Inc., Network Appliance Inc., Brocade Communications Systems, Inc., Hudson Highland Group, Inc. and certain private, venture capital-backed, technology companies. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Mary's College of California. Mr. Moore is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the California Bar Association, and the California and New York Society of CPAs. Mr. Moore received a B.S. in Accounting from St. Mary's College and a J.D. from Hastings College of Law, the University of California.

        Dr. Shultz joined Gilead's Board of Directors in January 1996. Dr. Shultz currently serves as Distinguished Fellow at the Hoover Institution and as a director of the Bechtel Group, Inc., Fremont Group, Inc. and Charles Schwab, Inc. Dr. Shultz serves as Chairman of J.P. Morgan Chase & Co.'s International Advisory Council. Dr. Shultz served as U.S. Secretary of State from 1982 to 1989 and earlier served as Secretary of Labor, Director of the Office of Management and Budget and Secretary of the Treasury. Previously, he served as Dean of the Graduate School of Business at the University of Chicago and as President of the Bechtel Group, Inc. In 1989, Dr. Shultz was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.

        Mrs. Wilson joined Gilead's Board of Directors in October 2001. Mrs. Wilson is director of Chela Financial, Inc. and the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation. Mrs. Wilson is a member of the Board of Trustees at the California Institute of Technology, a member of its Jet Propulsion Lab Committee and the Chairman of the Advisory Council for the California State Summer School for Math and Science (COSMOS). Mrs. Wilson served as California's First Lady from 1991 to 1999 during the governorship of her husband, California Governor Pete Wilson.

Board Committees and Meetings

Independence of the Board of Directors

        The Nasdaq listing standards require that a majority of the members of a listed company's board of directors must qualify as "independent," as affirmatively determined by the board of directors. After review of all relevant transactions or relationships between each director (and his or her family

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members) and Gilead, its senior management and its independent auditors, the Board of Directors has affirmatively determined that seven of Gilead's eight nominees for director are independent within the meaning of the applicable Nasdaq rules. Dr. Martin, Gilead's President and Chief Executive Officer, is not "independent" within the meaning of the Nasdaq rules.

        As required under the Nasdaq listing standards, Gilead's independent directors will meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors are present.

Meetings of the Board of Directors

        During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, the Board of Directors held eleven regular meetings. The Board has an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee, a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a Scientific Committee. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, each director attended at least 75% of the aggregate of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which he or she served. No Board members attended Gilead's 2003 annual meeting of stockholders. In October 2003, the Board adopted a policy encouraging but not requiring members to attend annual meetings.

Committees of the Board of Directors

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Gilead oversees Gilead's corporate accounting and financial reporting process. For this purpose, the Audit Committee performs several functions. The Audit Committee evaluates the performance of and assesses the qualifications of the independent auditors; determines the engagement of the independent auditors; determines whether to retain or terminate the existing independent auditors or to appoint and engage new independent auditors; reviews and approves the retention of the independent auditors to perform any proposed permissible non-audit services; monitors the rotation of partners of the independent auditors on the Gilead engagement team as required by law; reviews the financial statements to be included in Gilead's Annual Reports on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q; and discusses with management and the independent auditors the results of the annual audit and the results of the auditor's review of Gilead's quarterly financial statements. The Audit Committee is currently comprised of Mr. Hull (Chairman), Gordon Moore, Nicholas Moore and Dr. Schultz. Mr. Denny will join the Audit Committee and become its Chairman after the April 2004 Board meeting. The Audit Committee held four regular meetings during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. All four members of the Audit Committee are "independent" as independence is currently defined in Rule 4350(d)(2)(A) of the Nasdaq listing standards for companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. Mr. Denny and Nicholas Moore are each audit committee "financial experts", as described in applicable Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") rules, serving on the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee charter is available on Gilead's website at http://www.investors.gilead.com. The Audit Committee's procedures for receiving, reviewing and responding to complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters are described in the Complaint Procedure and Privacy Policy available on Gilead's website at http://www.investors.gilead.com.

        The Compensation Committee makes recommendations and, with respect to executive officers, determinations concerning salaries, incentive compensation and stock and otherwise determines compensation levels and performs such other functions regarding compensation as the Board may delegate as well as produces the annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the annual proxy statement. The Compensation Committee is currently comprised of Gordon Moore (Chairman), Nicholas Moore and Mrs. Wilson. The Compensation Committee met twice during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. All members of the Compensation Committee are "independent," as independence is currently defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq listing standards. The Compensation Committee charter is available on Gilead's website at http://www.investors.gilead.com.

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        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee identifies, evaluates and nominates new directors for consideration by the full Board, establishes criteria for Board and Committee membership, and reviews and recommends changes to Gilead's corporate governance policies and procedures. The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is comprised of Dr. Shultz (Chairman), Dr. Berg and Mr. Denny. All members of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are "independent" as independence is currently defined in Rule 4200(a)(15) of the Nasdaq listing standards. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee met once. The charter of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is available on Gilead's website at http://www.investors.gilead.com.

        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will evaluate potential new director candidates based on a variety of criteria including the candidate's relevant experience, other board memberships held, diversity and collective experience of the Board and its committees, independence, and possible conflicts of interest. The committee will also consider whether an individual will meet the highest standards of personal and professional integrity, will be able to contribute to an effective board and will serve the long-term interest of the stockholders of Gilead. Candidates may come to the attention of the committee from current Board members, stockholders, professional search firms, officers or other persons. The committee will review all candidates in the same manner regardless of the source of the recommendation.

        The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will consider properly submitted stockholder recommendations of candidates. Any stockholder recommendation must include the candidate's name and qualifications for Board membership, the candidate's age, business address, residence address, principal occupation or employment, the number of shares beneficially owned by the candidate and information that would be required to solicit a proxy under federal securities law. In addition, the recommendation must include the stockholder's name, address and the number of shares beneficially owned and the period they have been held. The recommendation should be sent to Corporate Secretary, Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404. To be timely, the recommendation must be delivered to the Corporate Secretary no sooner than 120 days and no later than 90 days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding year's annual meeting.

        The Scientific Committee was formed in January 2004 to advise the Board regarding Gilead's research strategies, the scientific merit of technology or products involved in licensing and acquisition opportunities and emerging science and technology issues. The Scientific Committee is currently comprised of Dr. Berg (Chairman) and Mrs. Wilson.

Stockholder Communications with the Board of Directors

        Stockholders may communicate with the Board by sending a letter to Corporate Secretary, Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404. The Corporate Secretary has the authority to disregard any inappropriate communications or to take other appropriate actions with respect to any inappropriate communications. If deemed an appropriate communication, the Corporate Secretary will submit a stockholder communication to the Chairman of the Board.

Code of Ethics

        Gilead's written Code of Ethics applies to all of its directors and employees, including its executive officers. The Code of Ethics is available on Gilead's website at http://www.investors.gilead.com. Changes to or waivers of the Code of Ethics will be disclosed on the same website.

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Executive Officers

        The names of Gilead's executive officers who are not also directors of Gilead and certain information about each of them as of April 1, 2004 are set forth below:

        Norbert W. Bischofberger, age 48, is Gilead's Executive Vice President, Research and Development. Dr. Bischofberger joined Gilead in 1990 as Director of Organic Chemistry, became Vice President of Organic Chemistry in February 1993 and was named Vice President of Research in August 1995. Dr. Bischofberger was appointed Senior Vice President, Research in January 1998. Dr. Bischofberger was named Senior Vice President, Research and Development in January 2000. He was promoted to Executive Vice President, Research and Development in November 2000. Prior to joining Gilead, Dr. Bischofberger worked in research at Genentech, Inc. from 1986 to 1990, most recently as Manager of DNA Synthesis. He received his B.S. in Chemistry at the University of Innsbruck in Austria, and his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at the Eidgennossische Technische Hochschule (ETH) in Zurich, Switzerland and did postdoctoral work at Harvard University, Cambridge.

        Anthony D. Caracciolo, age 49, is Gilead's Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Operations. Mr. Caracciolo joined Gilead in 1997 as Vice President, Manufacturing Operations, and was promoted to Senior Vice President, Manufacturing Operations in August 2003. Prior to joining Gilead, Mr. Caracciolo spent six years as Vice President of Operations for Bausch & Lomb's pharmaceutical division in Tampa, Florida, directing the manufacture and global distribution of ophthalmic preparations. Prior to Bausch & Lomb, Mr. Caracciolo held various management positions at Sterling Drug, Inc. over a 13-year period. He received a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Science from St. John University, New York and was a practicing pharmacist.

        Michael K. Inouye, age 48, is Gilead's Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations. Mr. Inouye joined Gilead in 1995 as Vice President, Sales and Marketing. Mr. Inouye was promoted to Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing in November 2000. Prior to joining Gilead, Mr. Inouye was Vice President, Sales and Marketing at InSite Vision, Inc. from 1994 to 1995. From 1980 to 1994, Mr. Inouye was with Merck and Co., Inc. where he held various sales and marketing management positions, including Senior Director, Marketing Planning and Senior Region Director, Field Sales. He has a B.S. in Food Science and Technology from the University of California, Davis and an MBA from California Polytechnic University in Pomona.

        William A. Lee, age 48, is Gilead's Senior Vice President, Research. Dr. Lee joined Gilead as Director of Pharmaceutical Product Development in August 1991, became Vice President, Pharmaceutical Product Development in January 1995 and in February 2000 was promoted to Vice President, Research and Pharmaceutical Development. Dr. Lee was promoted to Senior Vice President, Research and Product Development in November 2000. Prior to joining Gilead, Dr. Lee was Department Head of Drug Delivery and Formulation at California Biotechnology, Inc. from 1986 to 1991. From 1985 to 1986 Dr. Lee was a research scientist at Syntex Corporation. He received his Ph.D. in Physical Organic Chemistry from the University of California at San Diego and did postdoctoral work at the Ecole Polytech Federal Lausanne and the University of California at Santa Barbara.

        John F. Milligan, age 43, is Gilead's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Dr. Milligan joined Gilead in 1990 as a Research Scientist, and in 1996 he became Director of Project Management and Project Team Leader for the Gilead and Hoffmann-La Roche collaboration on Tamiflu®. In 1998 he transitioned to Corporate Development and in March 2000 he was promoted to Vice President, Corporate Development with responsibility for licensing, corporate partnerships and mergers and acquisitions. Dr. Milligan was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in March 2002 and to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2003. Dr. Milligan received a doctorate in Biochemistry from the University of Illinois and was an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral fellow at the University of California at San Francisco.

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        Mark L. Perry, age 48, is Gilead's Executive Vice President, Operations. Mr. Perry joined Gilead in July 1994 as Vice President and General Counsel and became Chief Financial Officer in May 1996. Mr. Perry was appointed Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and General Counsel in January 1998 and served in that capacity until he was appointed Senior Vice President, Operations in February 2000. Mr. Perry was promoted to Executive Vice President, Operations in November 2000. He has also served as Corporate Secretary since May 1994. From 1981 to 1994, Mr. Perry was with Cooley Godward LLP in San Francisco and Palo Alto, California. Cooley Godward serves as Gilead's primary outside counsel. Mr. Perry was an associate with Cooley Godward from 1981 to 1987, and a partner from 1987 to 1994. Mr. Perry received his J.D. from the University of California, Davis and is a member of the California Bar. Mr. Perry is a member of the Board of Directors of IntraBiotics Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Nuvelo, Inc.

        John J. Toole, age 50, is Gilead's Senior Vice President, Clinical Research. Dr. Toole joined Gilead in 1990 as Director of Molecular and Cellular Biology. He was promoted to Vice President, Biology in 1996, and became Vice President, Clinical Research in 1998. Dr. Toole was promoted to Senior Vice President, Clinical Research in August 2003. Dr. Toole was a recipient of an American Cancer Society Postdoctoral Fellowship, and performed his postdoctoral work in molecular biology at the Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dr. Toole was one of the founding scientists of Genetics Institute, Inc., where he led the project team that first cloned the human coagulation factor VIII gene. He received his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the State University of New York at Buffalo and his M.D. from the Stanford University School of Medicine.


PROPOSAL 2

RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

        The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected Ernst & Young LLP as Gilead's independent auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004 and has further directed that Gilead submit the selection of independent auditors for ratification by the stockholders at the Annual Meeting. The Audit Committee of the Board has determined that the rendering of non-audit services by Ernst & Young during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 was compatible with the auditor's independence. Ernst & Young LLP has audited Gilead's financial statements since Gilead's inception in 1987. Representatives of Ernst & Young LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, will have an opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and will be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Independent Auditor's Fees

        Audit Fees.    During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for the audit of Gilead's financial statements for such fiscal year and for the review of Gilead's interim financial statements were $1,290,000 and $738,000, respectively.

        Audit Related Fees.    During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for audit related services were $144,000 and $324,000, respectively. These services primarily related to fees for statutory audits, due diligence pertaining to business acquisitions, SEC registration statements, and accounting consultations.

        Tax Related Fees.    During the fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for tax related services were $486,000 and $343,000, respectively, primarily in connection with domestic and international tax compliance.

        All Other Fees.    During fiscal years ended December 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, the aggregate fees billed by Ernst & Young LLP for all other professional services were $0 and $18,000,

9


respectively. These services were not related to financial information, systems, design and implementation.

        All fees described above were approved by the Audit Committee.

        Stockholder ratification of the selection of Ernst & Young LLP as Gilead's independent auditors is not required by Gilead's bylaws or otherwise. However, the Board is submitting the selection of Ernst & Young LLP to the stockholders for ratification as a matter of good corporate practice. If the stockholders fail to ratify the selection, the Audit Committee will reconsider whether or not to retain that firm. Even if the selection is ratified, the Audit Committee in its discretion may direct the appointment of a different independent accounting firm at any time during the year if they determine that such a change would be in the best interests of Gilead and its stockholders.

        The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to ratify the selection of Ernst & Young LLP. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted for any purpose in determining whether this matter has been approved.

Pre-Approval Policy and Procedures

        The Audit Committee has adopted a policy and procedures for the pre-approval of audit and non-audit services rendered by our independent auditor, Ernst & Young LLP. Under this policy, the Audit Committee and the Corporate Controller must both pre-approve all services to be provided by the independent auditor and the policy prohibits the engagement of the independent auditor for specified services. The policy permits the engagement of the independent auditor for services that are approved by the Audit Committee and the Corporate Controller in defined categories such as audit services, audit-related services, and tax services. The policy also permits engagement of the independent auditor for non-audit services involving transaction due diligence, employee benefit plan audits and other services approved by the Audit Committee to the extent the fees do not exceed 25% of the total audit fees. Pre-approval may be given as part of the Audit Committee's approval of the scope of the engagement of the independent auditor or on an individual explicit case-by-case basis before the independent auditor is engaged to provide each service. The pre-approval of services may be delegated by the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will receive quarterly reports on the scope of services provided to date and planned to be provided by the independent auditor for that year.


THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2.

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PROPOSAL 3

APPROVAL OF THE GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

        Gilead's stockholders are being asked to approve the adoption of Gilead's 2004 Equity Incentive Plan (the "2004 Plan") as a replacement for the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan (the "1991 Plan") and the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "1995 Plan"), both of which were approved by our stockholders. If Gilead's stockholders approve the 2004 Plan, no further grants or awards will be issued from the 1991 Plan and the 1995 Plan. The remaining shares available for issuance under those plans and an additional 3.6 million shares will be available for issuance under the 2004 Plan. The 2004 Plan would provide Gilead with the ability to grant other types of equity awards besides stock options. If the shareholders fail to approve this proposal, the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan and the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan will remain in existence.

        Gilead has reserved an aggregate of 53,000,000 shares of our common stock for issuance under the 1991 Plan and 2,800,000 shares for issuance under the 1995 Plan. As of February 29, 2004, there were 23,658,983 shares to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options under the 1991 Plan and 1,508,200 shares under the 1995 Plan. Of the 53,000,000 and 2,800,000 shares previously approved by our stockholders under the 1991 Plan and 1995 Plan, respectively, 5,653,195 shares remain available for future grants under the 1991 Plan and 781,200 shares remain available under the 1995 Plan. In addition, as of February 29, 2004, options to purchase 36,094 shares of common stock were outstanding under the NeXstar 1993 Incentive Stock Plan, and options to purchase 923,807 shares of common stock were outstanding under the Triangle 1996 Incentive Stock Plan. No shares of common stock remain available for grant under any of the NeXstar or Triangle plans. Gilead acquired NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1999 and Triangle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2003, and assumed obligations under the option plans of each company. The weighted average exercise price of all outstanding options is $32.37 and the weighted average remaining term of all options is 7.55 years. If options granted under the 1991 Plan or the 1995 Plan expire or otherwise terminate without being exercised, the shares of our common stock reserved for such options again become available for issuance under such plans. If the 2004 Plan is approved by stockholders, shares reserved for such options will become available under the 2004 Plan.

        Gilead is seeking stockholder support of the 2004 Plan to enable Gilead to continue to attract and retain the highest caliber of employees, to link incentive rewards to company performance, to encourage employee ownership in Gilead and to align the interest of employees and directors with those of stockholders.

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        For information regarding stock option grants to our Chief Executive Officer and our four other most highly compensated executive officers for the year ended December 31, 2003, see "Executive Compensation—Stock Option Grants and Exercises."

        Stockholders are requested in this proposal to approve the adoption of the 2004 Plan, including its performance-based provisions, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the shares present in person or represented by proxy and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting will be required to approve the 2004 Plan. Abstentions will be counted towards the tabulation of votes cast and will have the same effect as negative votes. Broker non-votes are counted towards a quorum, but are not counted for any purposes in determining whether this matter has been approved.

        A summary of the essential features of the 2004 Plan is outlined below. This summary is not a complete description of all the provisions of the 2004 Plan.

        The 2004 Plan allows Gilead to provide employees, consultants and members of the Board of Directors who are selected to receive awards under the 2004 Plan the opportunity to acquire an equity interest in Gilead. The Board believes that equity incentives are a significant factor in attracting and motivating eligible persons whose present and potential contributions are important to Gilead.

        The 2004 Plan is designed to reflect prevailing corporate governance and executive compensation best practices. The following is a summary of its key provisions:

Plan Termination Date:   May 25, 2014    

Eligible Participants:
 
Employees, directors and consultants of Gilead Sciences, Inc. or a related entity (except that only employees are eligible for Incentive Stock Options)
 
 

Shares Authorized:
 
3,600,000 plus any shares previously authorized and available for issuance under the 1991 Plan and the 1995 Plan
 
 

Shares Authorized as a Percent of Common Stock Outstanding on April 5, 2004:
 
4.659%
 
 
         

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Award Types:
 
(1) Incentive stock options
(2) Nonstatutory stock options
(3) Stock appreciation rights
(4) Dividend equivalent rights
(5) Restricted stock
(6) Performance units
(7) Performance shares
(8) Phantom shares
 
 

Grant Limits Per Person Per Year:
 
Stock Options/SARs:
 
1,000,000*

 
 
Restricted Stock, Restricted
Stock Units, Performance
Shares, Phantom Shares:
 
100,000*

 
 
Awards Denominated in
US Dollars:
 
$7,000,000  

Aggregate Restricted Stock, Performance Shares and Phantom Shares Authorized:
 
200,000
 
 

Vesting:
 
Determined by Compensation Committee
 
 

Not Permitted:
 
Repricing of stock options
 
 
*
An employee could be granted an additional 500,000 stock options or 50,000 shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares or phantom shares on initial hire or promotion.

        Gilead employees or employees of a related entity are eligible to receive all types of awards under the 2004 Plan. Directors and consultants of Gilead or a related entity are eligible to receive awards except for Incentive Stock Options. The Compensation Committee or its delegate will determine which employees and consultants will receive awards under the 2004 Plan.

        Awards under the 2004 Plan will be either performance-based and designed to comply with Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or discretionary. Subject to the 2004 Plan limits, the Compensation Committee has the discretionary authority to determine the size of an award and whether it will be subject to performance-based requirements. Under the 2004 Plan, an award may be based on any one of, or combination of, the following performance-based criteria:

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        Gilead intends to use the 2004 Plan to help administer its compensation program for directors. Under the 1995 Plan, grants of stock options to non-employee directors were automatic. Under the 2004 Plan, future option grants to non-employee directors are discretionary. For at least the next year, the Board of Directors expects the 2004 Plan to operate according to the following provisions as approved by the Compensation Committee, however the Compensation Committee may change them at any time.

        The Board of Directors expects to grant options to purchase 30,000 shares of stock to each non-employee director upon his or her initial election to Gilead's Board of Directors (the "initial grant") and options to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock on the date of each subsequent annual stockholders' meeting (the "annual grant"), provided the non-employee director is still serving on the Board on the date of the annual meeting. To a non-employee director serving as the Board Chair, the Board will determine the initial grant on election to the Board and expects to grant an additional option to purchase 12,000 shares of common stock as an annual grant going forward and no additional grants for serving on a committee.

        To a non-employee director serving as chairperson of a standing committee of the Board of Directors, the Board expects to grant an additional option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock at the time of his or her initial grant and an additional option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock

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at the time of his or her annual grant. To each non-employee director serving as a member of a standing committee of the Board of Directors, the Board expects to grant an additional option to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock at the time of his or her initial grant and an additional option to purchase 3,000 shares of common stock at the time of his or her annual grant. In addition to the regular annual grants for Board members, committee chairs can be granted an option to purchase no more than 9,000 shares of common stock for service on all committees.

        The Board retains the discretion to provide an additional annual option to purchase up to 3,000 shares of common stock in the circumstance where the Board Chair also serves as chair of a committee.

        Under the 2004 Plan, non-employee directors may be allowed to make an election to defer receipt of all or a portion of their annual cash retainer in the form of phantom shares granted under the 2004 Plan.

        In the event of a stock dividend, recapitalization, stock split, reorganization, merger, spin-off, repurchase or exchange of Gilead's common stock or similar event affecting the common stock, the Compensation Committee may, in its discretion, adjust the number and kind of shares granted under the 2004 Plan, the number and kind of shares subject to outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards and the exercise price of outstanding stock options.

        The exercise price of stock options granted under the 2004 Plan may not be less than the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant and no stock option will be exercisable more than ten years after the date it is granted. The Compensation Committee will determine at the time of grant when each stock option becomes exercisable. Payment of the exercise price of a stock option may be in cash, common stock owned by the participant or by a combination of cash and common stock. Gilead may require, prior to issuing common stock under the 2004 Plan, that the participant remit an amount in cash or common stock sufficient to satisfy tax withholding requirements.

        Except with respect to a maximum of 5% of the shares authorized for issuance, any awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units which vest on the basis of a participant's continuous active service with Gilead or a related entity will not provide for vesting which is any more rapid than annual pro rata vesting over a three-year period and any awards of restricted stock or restricted stock units which provide for vesting upon the attainment of performance goals shall provide for a performance period of at least 12 months.

        Stock options granted under the 2004 Plan are transferable only as provided by the rules of the Compensation Committee, by the participant's last will and testament, and by the applicable laws of descent and distribution and, in the case of nonstatutory stock options during the participant's lifetime, by gift or pursuant to a domestic relations order. Restricted stock may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of until the applicable restrictions lapse. Other awards granted under the 2004 Plan may not be sold, transferred, assigned, pledged or otherwise encumbered or disposed of while the award is outstanding.

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        Stock options and other awards granted to employees and consultants under the 2004 Plan will become exercisable/fully vested upon the occurrence of a change in control as defined in the 2004 Plan if the participant's active service is terminated involuntarily or the participant resigns due to certain specified reasons within a designated period following the change in control.

        Upon termination of a participant's employment, a participant has a limited period of time in which to exercise outstanding stock options for any shares in which the participant is vested at that time. This period will be specified by the Compensation Committee, need not be uniform among all options issued under the 2004 Plan, and may reflect distinctions based on the reasons for termination of employment. All outstanding awards will be forfeited to Gilead to the extent they are not vested when the participant terminates employment.

        Under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code"), grants may be made only by a committee comprised solely of two or more directors eligible to serve as a committee making awards qualified as performance-based compensation. The Compensation Committee will select the employees of Gilead who shall receive awards, determine the number of shares covered thereby, and establish the terms, conditions and other provisions of the grants. The Compensation Committee may interpret the 2004 Plan and establish, amend and rescind any rules relating to the 2004 Plan. The Compensation Committee may delegate all or part of its responsibilities to anyone it selects.

        The Board of Directors may at any time terminate, amend or suspend the 2004 Plan, provided that no action may be taken by the Board of Directors (except those described earlier under the heading "Adjustments") without the approval of the stockholders if that action would constitute a material change in the 2004 Plan, including, without limitation, an increase in the number of shares that may be issued under the 2004 Plan or an amendment permitting repricing.

        The following is only a brief summary of the effect of U.S. federal income taxation on the award recipient and on Gilead of an award of a stock option or restricted stock and this summary does not discuss the income tax laws of any other jurisdiction (such as municipality or state) in which the recipient of the award may reside.

        Stock option grants under the 2004 Plan may be either incentive stock options which satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code or nonstatutory stock options which are not intended to meet such requirements. With respect to incentive stock options, no federal income tax is payable by a participant either upon the grant of an incentive stock option or at the time the option is exercised. The participant will, however, recognize taxable income in the year in which the purchased shares are sold or otherwise made the subject of a disposition. For Federal tax purposes, dispositions are divided into two categories: (i) qualifying and (ii) disqualifying. A qualifying disposition occurs if the sale or other disposition of the shares is made more than two years after the date the option is granted for those shares and more than one year after the date the option is exercised for those shares. If the sale or disposition occurs before these periods are satisfied, then a disqualifying disposition will result.

        Upon a qualifying disposition of the shares, the participants will recognize long-term capital gain in an amount equal to the excess of (i) the amount realized upon the sale or other disposition of the

16


purchased shares over (ii) the exercise price paid for those shares. If there is a disqualifying disposition of the shares, then the excess of (i) the fair market value of the shares on the exercise date over (ii) the exercise price paid for those shares will be taxable as ordinary income to the participant. Any additional gain or loss recognized upon the disposition will be taxable as a capital gain or loss.

        If the participant makes a disqualifying disposition of the purchased shares, then Gilead will be entitled to an income tax deduction, for the taxable year in which such disposition occurs, equal to the excess of (i) the fair market value of such shares on the option exercise date over (ii) the exercise price paid for the shares. In no other instance will Gilead be allowed a deduction with respect to the participant's disposition of the purchased shares.

        Generally, no federal income tax is payable by a participant upon the grant of a nonstatutory stock option and no deduction is taken by Gilead. Under current tax laws, if a participant exercises a nonstatutory stock option, he or she will be taxed on the difference between the fair market value of the common stock on the exercise date and the option price. Gilead will be entitled to a corresponding deduction on its income tax return.

        Restricted stock is taxed under Section 83 of the Code. Generally, no taxes are due when the award is initially made and no deduction will be taken by Gilead at that time. The award becomes taxable when it is no longer subject to a "substantial risk of forfeiture" (i.e., become vested or transferable). Income tax is paid on the value of the stock at ordinary rates when the restrictions lapse and Gilead will be entitled to a corresponding deduction on its income tax return.

        Generally, no taxes are due when an award of restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, dividend equivalent rights, stock appreciation rights or phantom shares is made and no deduction will be taken by Gilead at that time. When such awards are distributed, ordinary income tax is paid on the fair market value of the shares (if any) and the amount of cash received. Gilead will be entitled to a tax deduction equal to that ordinary income.


THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3.

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PROPOSAL 4

APPROVAL OF INCREASE IN NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

        Gilead's Board of Directors has adopted, subject to stockholder approval, an amendment to Gilead's restated certificate of incorporation. This amendment would increase the authorized number of shares of Gilead common stock from 500,000,000 shares to 700,000,000 shares. These additional shares would be used by Gilead for business and financial purposes, including future stock splits, raising capital, establishing strategic relationships, acquisitions of other companies, businesses or products, equity incentives and compensation for employees and other transactions that Gilead's Board of Directors deems are in Gilead's best interest. The additional authorized shares would enable Gilead to act quickly in response to appropriate opportunities that may arise for these types of transactions, in most cases without the necessity of obtaining further stockholder approval. Gilead has no current plans, arrangements or understandings regarding the additional shares that would be authorized pursuant to this proposal.

        As of February 29, 2004, there were 213,780,787 shares of common stock outstanding and held by Gilead stockholders. In addition to these shares, as of February 29, 2004, there were 33,958,328 shares of common stock reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plans. Of this number, 26,127,084 shares were reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding options that were previously granted under our stock option plans, 6,434,395 shares were reserved for issuance upon exercise of options that may be granted in the future under our stock option plans and 1,396,849 shares were reserved for issuance under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan. 7,340,425 shares of common stock are also reserved for issuance on the conversion of Gilead's $345.0 million of 2% convertible senior notes due December 15, 2007.

        The additional shares of common stock would have rights identical to the currently outstanding Gilead common stock. Adoption of the proposed amendment and any issuance of the common stock would not affect the rights of Gilead stockholders except for effects incidental to increasing the number of shares of the common stock outstanding. Incidental effects of the increase in the outstanding number of shares may include dilution of the earnings per share and voting rights of current holders of common stock. If the amendment is adopted, it will become effective upon filing of a certificate of amendment of Gilead's restated certificate of incorporation with the Secretary of State of Delaware.

        Gilead could also use the additional shares of common stock to oppose a hostile takeover attempt or delay or prevent changes in control or management of Gilead. For example, without further stockholder approval, the Board could sell shares of common stock in a private transaction to purchasers who would oppose a takeover or favor the current Board. Although this proposa1 to increase the authorized common stock has been prompted by business and financial considerations and not by the threat of any known or threatened hostile takeover attempt, stockholders should be aware that approval of this proposal could facilitate future efforts by Gilead to deter or prevent changes in control of Gilead, including transactions that the Board determines are not in the best interests of Gilead or its stockholders, even though the stockholders would have received a premium for their shares over then current market prices.

        The affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Gilead common stock will be required to approve this amendment to Gilead's restated certificate of incorporation. As a result, abstentions and broker non-votes will have the same effect as negative votes.


THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 4.

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Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

        The following table sets forth certain information regarding the ownership of Gilead's common stock as of February 29, 2004 by: (1) each current director; (2) each executive officer named in the "Summary Compensation Table" below; (3) all executive officers and directors of Gilead as a group; and (4) all those known by Gilead to be beneficial owners of more than five percent of its common stock.

 
   Beneficial Ownership(1)
  
Beneficial Owner
   Number of
Shares
   Percent of
Total
  
John C. Martin(2)   2,024,150   *  
Norbert W. Bischofberger(3)   886,394   *  
Mark L. Perry(4)   461,340   *  
James M. Denny(5)   396,350   *  
William A. Lee(6)   427,214   *  
Gordon E. Moore(7)   380,124   *  
George P. Shultz(8)   268,800   *  
Etienne F. Davignon(9)   233,000   *  
John F. Milligan(10)   254,934   *  
Paul Berg(11)   140,750   *  
Cordell W. Hull(12)   96,600   *  
Michael K. Inouye(13)   171,892   *  
Gayle E. Wilson(14)   24,400   *  
John J. Toole(15)   196,896   *  
Anthony Caracciolo(16)   53,999   *  
All executive officers and directors as a group (15 persons)(17)   6,016,843   2.8 %
*
Less than one percent

(1)
This table is based upon information supplied by Gilead's directors, officers, and principal stockholders and Schedules 13D and 13G filed with the SEC. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to this table, and subject to community property laws where applicable, Gilead believes each of the stockholders named in this table has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated as beneficially owned. Applicable percentages are based on 213,780,787 shares of common stock outstanding on February 29, 2004, adjusted as required by the rules promulgated by the SEC.

(2)
Includes 1,688,360 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(3)
Includes 47,536 shares held in trust for which Dr. Bischofberger and Inger Bischofberger, his wife, are trustees and over which Dr. Bischofberger has shared voting and investment power, 4,000 shares held in accounts for Dr. Bischofberger's minor children for which he is the custodian having sole voting and investment power and 644,800 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(4)
Includes 5,600 shares held in account for Mr. Perry's minor child for which Mr. Perry is the custodian having sole voting and investment power and 260,000 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(5)
Includes 290,900 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004. The total also includes 104,350 shares held by a not-for-profit corporation, of which Mr. Denny is an investment manager. Mr. Denny disclaims any beneficial ownership of these shares. The total

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(6)
Includes 71,014 shares held in trust for which Dr. Lee and Linda Sanders, his wife, are co-trustees and over which Dr. Lee has shared voting and investment power, and 356,200 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(7)
Includes 286,800 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(8)
Includes 228,800 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(9)
Includes 77,000 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(10)
Includes 211,500 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(11)
Includes 136,750 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(12)
Includes 86,600 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(13)
Includes 164,182 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004, a portion of which are exercisable solely by Mr. Inouye's former spouse.

(14)
Includes 24,400 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(15)
Includes 5,100 shares held in trust for which Dr. Toole and his wife, Susan Toole, are trustees and over which Dr. Toole has shared voting and investment power, 9,600 shares held in accounts for Dr. Toole's minor children for which he is the custodian having sole voting and investment power and 167,100 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(16)
Includes 53,999 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004.

(17)
Includes 4,677,391 shares subject to stock options exercisable within 60 days of February 29, 2004. See notes (2) through (16) above.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

        Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires Gilead's directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten percent of a registered class of Gilead's equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of common stock and other equity securities of Gilead. Executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent stockholders are required by SEC regulation to furnish Gilead with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.

        To Gilead's knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such reports furnished to Gilead and written representations that no other reports were required during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, Gilead's executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to these executive officers, directors and greater than ten percent beneficial owners except as follows: each of the following officers filed one report on Form 4 late: Dr. Martin, Dr. Milligan, Mr. Perry, Dr. Bischofberger, Mr. Inouye, Dr. Lee, Dr. Toole and Mr. Caracciolo.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

        Gilead's Compensation Committee consists of Gordon Moore (Chairman), Nicholas Moore and Mrs. Wilson. None of the members of the Compensation Committee is currently or has been, at any time since Gilead's formation, one of Gilead's officers or employees. No executive officer of Gilead has served as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers serving on Gilead's Board of Directors or Compensation Committee.

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Executive Compensation

Compensation of Directors

        In 2003, each non-employee director of Gilead received an annual retainer of $25,000, a fee of $1,500 for each Board meeting attended and an additional $1,000 ($1,500 for a Committee Chair) for each committee meeting attended. For the year ended December 31, 2003, the total compensation paid to current non-employee directors was $234,500 including amounts earned but deferred at the election of the non-employee director pursuant to Gilead's Deferred Compensation Plan. Effective January 1, 2004, each non-employee director will receive an annual retainer of $35,000 and a fee of $2,000 for each meeting attended. The fees for committee meetings were not changed. The members of the Board are also eligible for reimbursement for their expenses incurred in connection with attendance at Board and committee meetings and related activities in accordance with Company policy.

        In addition to compensation received as a director and member of various committees of the Board, Dr. Berg earned $25,000 in fees for consulting services provided to Gilead during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 pursuant to a consulting agreement between Dr. Berg and Gilead. Under such consulting agreement, Dr. Berg was retained as a member of Gilead's Scientific Advisory Board ("SAB") to provide ongoing scientific advice to Gilead with respect to the development of new therapeutic substances. Under the terms of the consulting agreement, Dr. Berg was paid a flat annual fee of $25,000 and was reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in providing consulting services, including travel expenses. The consulting agreement was terminated on December 31, 2003, and Dr. Berg is no longer a member of Gilead's SAB.

        Each non-employee director of Gilead also receives stock option grants under the Plan. The 1995 Plan provides for non-discretionary grants of nonstatutory stock options to non-employee directors of Gilead, on an automatic basis pursuant to a pre-approved schedule. Options granted under the 1995 Plan are at prices not less than fair market value on the date of grant. Annual option grants made between January 29, 2003 and December 30, 2003 vest in full on the first anniversary of the grant. Annual options granted after December 31, 2003 vest immediately on the date of grant. Initial option grants made prior to December 31, 2002 vested over a five-year period in equal quarterly installments. No initial option grants for new Board members were made between January 29, 2003 and December 30, 2003. Initial option grants for new Board members granted after December 30, 2003 will vest in two years at the rate of 50% on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 50% on the second anniversary of the date of grant. Initial option grants for new committee members and chairpersons granted after December 30, 2003 are vested when granted. Vesting in each case is conditioned upon continuous service as a non-employee director of or consultant to Gilead. The exercise price of options granted must be paid in cash or shares of common stock of Gilead at the time the option is exercised.

        Under the 1995 Plan, each non-employee director was granted as of January 2, 1996, or on such later date as he or she first became a non-employee director, an initial stock option grant to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock of Gilead. Thereafter, on each anniversary date of a non-employee director's initial grant, the non-employee director was automatically, without further action by Gilead, the Board or stockholders of Gilead, granted an annual stock option grant to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock of Gilead. A non-employee director who is also the Chairperson of the Board was granted an option to purchase an additional 80,000 shares of common stock of Gilead at the time of his or her initial grant or later on election as Chairperson of the Board, and an option to purchase an additional 12,000 shares of common stock of Gilead at the time of his or her annual grant. Each non-employee director who serves on a standing committee of the Board of Directors is automatically granted an option to purchase an additional 4,000 shares of common stock of Gilead at the time of his or her initial grant, and an option to purchase an additional 3,000 shares of common stock of Gilead at the time of his or her annual grant, for each such committee. Each non-employee director who serves

21


on a standing committee and who is also the chairperson of that committee is automatically granted an option to purchase an additional 8,000 shares at the time of the initial grant or later election as chairperson of the committee and an option to purchase an additional 6,000 shares of common stock of Gilead at the time of his or her annual grant. No other options may be granted under the 1995 Plan.

        Effective January 2004, the Board of Directors reduced the number of options to be given as initial grants and annual grants to Board members. After January 1, 2004, new non-employee directors will be granted an initial option to purchase 30,000 shares of common stock of Gilead. Thereafter, on the date of each annual stockholders' meeting, the non-employee director will be granted an annual option to purchase 15,000 shares of common stock of Gilead. A non-employee director who is also the Chairperson of the Board will be granted an option to purchase additional shares of common stock of Gilead at the time of his or her initial grant or later upon election as Chairperson of the Board. The Board will determine the amount of additional shares that a new Chairperson of the Board will receive as an initial grant at the time of appointment. The Chairperson of the Board will receive an option to purchase an additional 12,000 shares of common stock of Gilead at the date of each annual stockholders' meeting thereafter as an annual grant. The Board retains the discretion to provide an additional annual option to purchase up to 3,000 shares of common stock in the circumstance where the Board Chair also serves as chair of a committee. Each non-employee director who serves on a standing committee of the Board of Directors will be granted an initial option to purchase an additional 3,000 shares of common stock of Gilead at the time of his or her election to a committee and an option to purchase an additional 3,000 shares at the date of each annual stockholders' meeting thereafter. Each non-employee director who serves on a standing committee and who is also chairperson of that committee will be granted an option to purchase an additional 6,000 shares of common stock at the time of the initial grant or later upon election as chairperson of the committee and an option to purchase an additional 6,000 shares of common stock of Gilead at the date of each annual stockholders' meeting thereafter. Committee chairpersons can be granted an option to purchase an aggregate of 9,000 shares of common stock of Gilead annually for service on all committees combined.

        If the 2004 Plan is approved by the stockholders at this Annual Meeting, the 1995 Plan will automatically terminate and all future option grants to directors will be made under the 2004 Plan.

        Effective January 1, 2004, the Board of Directors established a guideline to encourage Board members to hold Gilead shares with a fair market value of at least three times the annual retainer. This target is to be achieved over time.

        During 2003, Gilead granted options to purchase 141,000 shares to its current non-employee directors, at exercise prices ranging from $34.00 to $58.41 per share. Each option granted had an exercise price equal to the fair market value of Gilead's common stock on the date of grant (based on the closing sales price for Gilead's common stock reported on the Nasdaq National Market on the date prior to the date of such grant).

        As of February 29, 2004, options to purchase a total of 1,508,200 shares of common stock of Gilead were outstanding under the 1995 Plan. As of February 29, 2004, there have been 510,600 options exercised under the 1995 Plan.

22


Compensation of Executive Officers

Summary of Compensation

        The following table shows, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, certain compensation awarded or paid to, or earned by, Gilead's Chief Executive Officer and its other four most highly compensated executive officers, referred to herein as the "Named Executive Officers":


Summary Compensation Table

 
    
   Annual Compensation
   Long Term
Compensation
    
  
Name and Principal Position
   Year Ended
December 31,
   Salary(1)
   Bonus(2)
   Other Annual
Compensation
   Shares
Underlying
Options(3)
   All Other
Compensation
  
John C. Martin
President and Chief Executive Officer		   2003
2002
2001		   $
$
$		 754,167
653,334
548,340		   $
$
$		 887,680
792,000
616,000		   —
—
—		   400,000
280,000
240,000		     —
—
—		  

Norbert W. Bischofberger
Executive Vice President, Research and Development
 
2003
2002
2001
 
$
$
$
483,083
429,750
375,417
 
$
$
$
427,770
382,320
315,000
 
—
—
—
 
200,000
200,000
160,000
 
 
—
—
—
 

Mark L. Perry
Executive Vice President, Operations
 
2003
2002
2001
 
$
$
$
472,333
411,329
375,417
 
$
$
$
394,013
365,505
298,125
 
 
 
200,000
160,000
160,000
 
$
$
$
10,000
10,000
10,000
(4)
(4)
(4)

John F. Milligan(5)
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
2003
2002
2001
 
$
$
$
331,433
274,933
218,750
 
$
$
$
244,446
163,548
82,500
 
—
—
—
 
170,000
100,000
120,000
 
 
—
—
—
 

Michael K. Inouye
Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations
 
2003
2002
2001
 
$
$
$
329,550
310,298
284,864
 
$
$
$
181,716
176,700
154,508
 
 
 
60,000
70,000
72,000
 
$
$
$
10,000
10,000
10,000
(4)
(4)
(4)
(1)
Includes amounts earned but deferred at the election of the Named Executive Officers pursuant to Gilead's 401(k) employee savings and retirement plan and/or Gilead's Deferred Compensation Plan.

(2)
For each year, includes amounts paid in February of the following year based on the Compensation Committee of the Board's review of corporate performance and individual achievements for the prior fiscal year. In accordance with Gilead's incentive bonus program, performance-based cash bonuses with respect to each year were paid to Named Executive Officers who were employed as of the following February. Also includes amounts awarded but deferred at the election of the Named Executive Officers pursuant to Gilead's Deferred Compensation Plan.

(3)
Gilead has not granted any stock appreciation rights, has not made any long-term incentive plan awards and did not make any restricted stock grants to the Named Executive Officers during the periods covered. All share amounts have been restated to reflect the effect of the stock splits in the form of stock dividends completed on February 22, 2001 and March 8, 2002.

(4)
Gilead entered into non-interest-bearing loans with each of Mr. Perry and Mr. Inouye. 50% of the principal amount is forgiven on a pro rata basis over a period of five years beginning on the sixth anniversary of the loan as long the executive is still employed by Gilead. See "Certain Transactions—Executive Officer Loans."

23

(5)
Dr. Milligan was named Gilead's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer in July 2003. Previously, Dr. Milligan served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Vice President, Corporate Development.

Stock Option Grants and Exercises

        As of February 29, 2004, options to purchase a total of 23,658,983 shares of common stock had been granted and remained outstanding under the 1991 Plan, and options to purchase 5,653,195 shares of common stock remained available for grant thereunder. In addition, as of such date, no options to purchase common stock were outstanding under the NeXstar 1988 Stock Option Plan, options to purchase 36,094 shares of common stock were outstanding under the NeXstar 1993 Incentive Stock Plan, and options to purchase 923,807 shares of common stock were outstanding under the Triangle 1996 Incentive Stock Plan. No shares of common stock remain available for grant under any of the NeXstar or Triangle plans. Gilead acquired NeXstar Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 1999 and Triangle Pharmaceuticals, Inc. in 2003, and assumed obligations under the option plans of each company.

        Gilead grants both incentive stock options and nonstatutory stock options to its executive officers under the 1991 Plan. The following tables show, for the year ended December 31, 2003, certain information regarding options granted to, exercised by, and held at year-end by the Named Executive Officers:


Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

 
   Individual Grants
    
    
 
    
   % of Total
Options
Granted to
Employees in
2003(2)
    
    
   Potential Realizable Value at Assumed Annual Rates of Stock Price Appreciation for Option Term(3)
 
   Shares
Underlying
Options
Granted(1)
    
    
Name
   Exercise
Price Per
Share(1)
   Expiration Date
  5%
   10%
John C. Martin   400,000   6.98 % $ 35.77   1/28/13   $ 8,998,224   $ 22,803,267
Norbert W. Bischofberger   200,000   3.49 % $ 35.77   1/28/13   $ 4,499,112   $ 11,401,633
Mark L. Perry   200,000   3.49 % $ 35.77   1/28/13   $ 4,499,112   $ 11,401,633
John F. Milligan   100,000
70,000		   1.74
1.22		 %
%		 $
$		 35.77
69.99		   1/28/13
7/29/13		   $
$		 2,249,556
3,080,077		   $
$		 5,700,817
7,804,905
Michael K. Inouye   60,000   1.05 % $ 35.77   1/28/13   $ 1,349,734   $ 3,420,490
(1)
The terms of such options, which include both incentive and nonstatutory stock options, are consistent with those of options granted to other employees under the 1991 Plan. The options vest at the rate of 20% after one year and 5% per quarter thereafter during the optionee's employment. Subject to certain exceptions, the maximum term of options granted under the 1991 Plan is ten years. No stock appreciation rights have been granted in fiscal year 2003.

(2)
Based on options to purchase 5,734,395 shares of common stock granted to employees, including executive officers, for the year ended December 31, 2003.

(3)
The potential realizable value is based on the term of the option at the date of the grant. It is calculated by assuming that the stock price on the date of grant appreciates at the indicated annual rate, compounded annually for the entire term, and that the option is exercised and sold on the last day of the option term for the appreciated stock price. Actual gains, if any, are dependent on the actual future performance of Gilead's common stock and the timing of exercise and sale transactions by the holder. These numbers are based on the SEC requirements and do not reflect Gilead's projection or estimate of future stock price growth.

24


Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values

 
    
    
   Shares of Common Stock
Underlying
Unexercised Options at December 31, 2003(2)
   Value of Unexercised
In-the-Money Options at December 31, 2002(3)
 
   Shares Acquired
on Exercise
   Value
Realized(1)
 
   Exercisable
   Unexercisable
   Exercisable
   Unexercisable
John C. Martin   216,640   $ 9,742,514   1,576,360   792,000   $ 74,189,109   $ 22,770,692
Norbert W. Bischofberger   277,000   $ 13,143,221   604,000   468,000   $ 26,263,478   $ 13,812,161
Mark L. Perry   207,000   $ 7,849,418   214,000   442,000   $ 8,291,918   $ 13,151,631
John F. Milligan   36,000   $ 1,450,294   170,500   276,500   $ 5,953,808   $ 7,908,576
Michael K. Inouye(4)   —     —   124,682   189,900   $ 4,937,354   $ 5,974,031
(1)
Represents the fair value of the aggregate amount of common stock on the date of exercise (based on the closing sales price reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market or the actual sales price if the shares were sold by the optionee) less the exercise price, and does not necessarily indicate that the shares were sold by the optionee.

(2)
Includes both in-the-money and out-of-the-money options.

(3)
Represents the fair value of the option based on the fair value of Gilead's common stock at December 31, 2003 ($58.28 based on the closing sales price reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market), less the exercise price.

(4)
Includes options which are exercisable solely by Mr. Inouye's former spouse.


SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS

        The following table provides certain information with respect to all of Gilead's equity compensation plans in effect as of December 31, 2003:


Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan Category
   Number of Common
Shares to be
Issued Upon Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
(a)
   Weighted-average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
(b)
   Number of Common Shares
Remaining Available for
Issuance Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in
Column (a)
(c)(1)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders   22,760,000   $ 27.00   11,748,000
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders   —     —   —
   
 
 
Total:   22,760,000   $ 27.00   11,748,000
   
 
 
(1)
Includes approximately 1.4 million shares issuable under Gilead's Employee Stock Purchase Plan.

Severance and Change of Control Agreements

        See "Certain Transactions."

25

Compensation Committee Report(1)

        During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "Compensation Committee") was comprised of Gordon Moore (Chairman), Dr. Berg and Mrs. Wilson. Mr. Berg's service on the Compensation Committee ended in March 2004 and Nicholas Moore joined the Compensation Committee at that time. None of the Compensation Committee members is currently or has been at any time an officer or an employee of Gilead. The Compensation Committee is responsible for making recommendations and taking actions concerning the compensation levels of executive officers of Gilead, including but not limited to the development of compensation policies that will attract and retain the highest quality executives, that will clearly articulate the relationship of corporate performance to executive compensation and that will reward executives for Gilead's progress. The Compensation Committee is also responsible for administering the company's equity compensation plans. The Compensation Committee produces the annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in the annual proxy statement. In particular, the Compensation Committee evaluates the performance of management and determines the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer and other Named Executive Officers on an annual basis. The Chief Executive Officer is not present during the discussion of his compensation.

        Gilead's executive compensation philosophy is to attract and retain executive officers capable of leading Gilead to fulfillment of its business objectives by offering competitive compensation opportunities that reward individual contributions as well as corporate performance. In addition, long-term equity compensation is awarded to align the interests of management and stockholders. Gilead provides executive officers (and key employees) of Gilead with a substantial economic interest in the long-term appreciation of Gilead's common stock through the grant of stock options, subject to vesting restrictions.

        There are three main components to Gilead's Executive Compensation Program:

        For each of these three elements, Gilead's strategy has been to examine peer group practice and place Gilead executive officer compensation appropriately, given individual and company performance. Our peer group is generally defined as biopharmaceutical and biotech companies that are in a similar range with respect to several metrics, principally market capitalization, revenues, and number of employees. The peer group is reviewed annually and adjustments made as necessary to ensure the group continues to properly reflect the market in which we are competing for talent.

        Increases to base salary reflect the individual's contribution to the organization for the preceding year, as well as consideration of his/her pay level compared with similar positions in our peer group, taking performance into account. Assuming the executive's salary is already appropriately placed versus the peer group, the increase percentage range for executives generally reflects peer group practice with respect to base pay levels of similar positions, along with consideration of market pay movement for the upcoming year.

        Bonus targets as a percentage of salary may or may not match peer group bonuses as a percentage of salary because Gilead's target bonus is designed to deliver total cash compensation (base salary plus bonus) when coupled with base salary, that reflects appropriate placement versus peer group practice. Annual bonuses reflect the contribution of the executive and his/her business unit to the organization, as well as Gilead's overall achievement of pre-specified corporate goals for the preceding year. For Senior Vice Presidents and Executive Vice Presidents, 75% of the annual bonus is based on company

26


performance and 25% is based on individual/business unit performance. For the Chief Executive Officer, 100% of the annual bonus is based on company performance.

        At the beginning of each year, the Compensation Committee approves specific corporate goals for the upcoming year, along with associated weightings, for purposes of the bonus plan. After the end of the year, the Compensation Committee approves the percent of goal achieved for each corporate goal, along with the overall percent of corporate goal achievement for purposes of bonus plan payouts.

        The guidelines for equity grants are structured in consideration of peer group practice with respect to equity, but also taking company performance compared to peer group into account. The value of equity grants reflects the success of Gilead over time. Equity grants to individual executives are generally based on individual/business unit performance in the preceding year, but also on long term retention of the executive. Gilead has chosen to continue granting stock options as a long term incentive in 2004 because we believe that, given Gilead's current stage of development as a company with expected significant future growth opportunity, this is the most effective vehicle to encourage employee ownership in Gilead, to link pay with performance and to align the interest of officers with those of stockholders. Moreover, Gilead's current equity compensation awards to employees, net of forfeitures, as a percentage of Gilead's outstanding common stock is conservative in our industry (under 2.5%); our current intent is to limit annual long term incentive awards to employees to up to 3% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding. While we may currently grant only stock options as long term incentives, if stockholders approve the 2004 Equity Incentive Plan we may use other types of grants, such as restricted stock, performance shares and stock appreciation rights to tailor the long term incentive vehicles to business conditions as they evolve.

        The Compensation Committee met in January 2004 to determine salary and incentive compensation for Gilead's Chief Executive Officer and other Named Executive Officers. As described above, compensation for the Chief Executive Officer and each of Gilead's other Named Executive Officers generally consists of three elements: cash salary, a performance-based cash bonus and stock option grants with exercise prices set at fair market value at the time of grant. In determining compensation for all Named Executive Officers, in addition to considering the compensation strategy described above, the Compensation Committee also takes into consideration the financial condition and prospects of Gilead, as well as any promotions or changes in responsibilities that may have taken place during the fiscal year. Total compensation paid by Gilead to its Chief Executive Officer and its other Named Executive Officers is designed to be competitive with compensation packages paid to the management of comparable companies in the biopharmaceutical industry, taking relative performance into account. As in previous years, in making its compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee took into consideration executive compensation information from other biopharmaceutical companies, including industry surveys, publicly available information and reports from compensation consulting firms. The information reviewed by the Compensation Committee may, but does not necessarily, include information from some or all of the companies that are included in the market indices in the graph included under "Performance Measurement Comparison" in this Proxy Statement.

        Many traditional measures of corporate performance, such as earnings per share or sales growth, are less important in reviewing performance of executives in the biopharmaceutical industry, as compared to more established industries. Because of Gilead's current stage of development, the Compensation Committee emphasizes other indications of performance, such as the progress of Gilead's research and development programs and corporate development activities. These qualitative factors necessarily involve a subjective assessment by the Compensation Committee of corporate performance. Moreover, the Compensation Committee does not base its considerations on any single performance factor, but rather considers a mix of factors and evaluates company and individual performance against that mix.

27


        In its January 2004 meeting, the Compensation Committee authorized increased compensation, including base salaries, performance-based cash bonuses to be paid in February 2004 and stock option grants for the Chief Executive Officer and the other Named Executive Officers based on the objective criteria discussed in this report. Specifically, the Compensation Committee concluded that Gilead achieved or made progress towards the following stated performance goals and objectives established by Gilead for the year 2003:

        In addition to the foregoing planned objectives, the Compensation Committee considered the fact that Gilead had successfully completed the purchase of the Foster City site, an unplanned event.

        The Compensation Committee believes that the continued commitment and leadership of Gilead's executive officers through fiscal year 2004 were and continue to be important factors in accomplishing Gilead's achievements.

Chief Executive Officer Compensation

        The base salary and long-term incentives paid to Dr. Martin in 2003 and the bonus paid to him in early 2004 for 2003 performance were generally determined in accordance with Gilead's compensation philosophy and practices, as outlined above. Dr. Martin is eligible to participate in the same compensation plans, including the annual and long-term incentive plans available to other officers and employees of Gilead.

        Effective February 1, 2003, the Compensation Committee increased Dr. Martin's base salary from $660,000 to $760,000 in recognition of Dr. Martin's performance in leading Gilead to exceptional performance relative to peers. The Compensation Committee used the peer group described above for purposes of determining the Chief Executive Officer's compensation. This base salary was generally on par with the median of chief executive officers in the peer group at the time of the increase. Dr. Martin's target bonus under the bonus plan was 80% of salary; 100% of the bonus payout is

28


determined based on achievement of pre-specified company goals. Due to the fact that Gilead far exceeded the specified goals for 2003, the Compensation Committee awarded Dr. Martin a bonus of $887,680 in February 2004, which represented 146% of target.

        Dr. Martin was also eligible to receive an annual stock option grant in 2003 based on performance and for retention purposes. At the beginning of 2003, Dr. Martin received an option to purchase 400,000 shares of Gilead common stock.

Compliance with Internal Revenue Code Section 162(m).

        Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code (the "Code") generally provides that publicly held companies may not deduct compensation paid to certain of its top executive officers to the extent that such compensation exceeds $1 million per officer in a calendar year. Compensation that is "performance-based compensation" within the meaning of the Code does not count toward the $1 million limit. The Compensation Committee has determined that ordinary income recognized by Gilead's Named Executive Officers as a result of their exercise of stock options granted by the Compensation Committee under the 1991 Plan having an exercise price at least equal to the fair market value of Gilead's common stock on the date of grant, qualifies as performance-based compensation as defined under Section 162(m) of the Code. Except for compensation paid to the Chief Executive Officer, Gilead expects that amounts of compensation paid to each of its Named Executive Officers in a taxable year which is subject to the deduction limit will not exceed the $1 million limit under Section 162(m) of the Code.

    Compensation Committee

 
 
Gordon E. Moore, Chairman
Paul Berg
Gayle E. Wilson
(1)
The material in this report is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of Gilead under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

Audit Committee Report(1)

        During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 the Audit Committee consisted of Mr. Hull (Chairman), Dr. Shultz and Gordon Moore. Mr. Denny, Chairman of the Board of Directors, attended all of the Audit Committee meetings in 2003 in an ex-officio capacity. Mr. Hull's service on the Board and the Audit Committee will end in April 2004. Nicholas Moore joined the Audit Committee in March 2004 and Mr. Denny will become Chairman of the Audit Committee in April 2004. None of the Audit Committee members is currently or has ever been an officer or an employee of the Company and all are "independent" directors and meet the financial literacy requirements as currently set forth under NASD rules.

        The Audit Committee oversees Gilead's financial reporting process on behalf of the Board. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process including the systems of internal controls. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviewed the audited financial statements included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K with management including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity and completeness of disclosures in the financial statements.

29

        The Audit Committee reviewed with the independent auditors, who are responsible for expressing an opinion on the conformity of those audited financial statements with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of Gilead's accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under generally accepted auditing standards. The Audit Committee has discussed with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement of Auditing Standards 61 as well as the auditors' independence from management and Gilead, including the matters in the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors received by the Audit Committee in accordance with the requirements of the Independence Standards Board Standard No. 1. The Audit Committee has also considered whether the provision of non-audit services by the independent auditors is compatible with the auditors' independence.

        The Audit Committee discussed with Gilead's independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their audit. The Audit Committee met with the independent auditors, with and without management present, to discuss the results of their audit and quarterly reviews, their evaluations of Gilead's internal controls and the overall quality of Gilead's financial reporting. The Audit Committee held four regular meetings during 2003.

        In reliance on the reviews and discussions referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board (and the Board approved) that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 for filing with the SEC. The Audit Committee has also recommended, subject to stockholder ratification, the retention of Ernst & Young LLP as the Company's independent auditors.

    Audit Committee

 
 
Cordell W. Hull, Chairman
Gordon E. Moore
George P. Shultz
(1)
The material in this report is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of Gilead under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

Performance Measurement Comparison

        The following graph compares total stockholder returns of Gilead for the past five years to two indices: the Nasdaq CRSP Total Return Index for The Nasdaq Stock Market (U.S. companies), labeled Nasdaq-US, and the Nasdaq Pharmaceutical Index, labeled Nasdaq-Pharmaceutical. The total return for Gilead's common stock and for each index assumes the reinvestment of dividends, although cash dividends have never been declared on Gilead's common stock, and is based on the returns of the component companies weighted according to their capitalizations as of the end of each monthly period. The Nasdaq-US tracks the aggregate price performance of equity securities of U.S. companies traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market. The Nasdaq-Pharmaceutical tracks the aggregate price performance of equity securities of pharmaceutical companies traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market. Gilead's common stock is traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market and is a component of both the Nasdaq-US and the Nasdaq-Pharmaceutical Indices.

30



Comparison of Cumulative Total Return on Investment for Past Five Years(1)

GRAPHIC

(1)
This Section is not "soliciting material," is not deemed "filed" with the SEC and is not to be incorporated by reference in any filing of Gilead under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in any such filing.

Certain Transactions

Executive Officer Loans

        In October 1994, Gilead entered into a loan agreement with Mark L. Perry, currently Gilead's Executive Vice President, Operations. The original principal amount of the loan was $100,000 with a term of ten years. The loan is non-interest bearing and 50% of the principal amount will be forgiven on a pro rata basis over a period of five years beginning on the sixth anniversary of the loan as long as Mr. Perry is still employed by Gilead. In the event Mr. Perry ceases to be employed by Gilead, the loan becomes interest-bearing and due and payable within sixty days of such termination of employment. The loan is secured by a deed of trust on Mr. Perry's residence. As of December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance of the loan was $60,000.

        In October 1995, Gilead entered into a loan agreement with Michael K. Inouye, currently Gilead's Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations. The original principal amount of the loan was $100,000 with a term of ten years. The loan is non-interest bearing and 50% of the principal amount will be forgiven on a pro rata basis over a period of five years beginning on the sixth anniversary of the loan as long as Mr. Inouye is still employed by Gilead. In the event Mr. Inouye ceases to be employed by Gilead, the loan becomes interest-bearing and due and payable within sixty days of such termination of employment. As of December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance of the loan was $70,000.

        In May 2001, Gilead entered into a loan agreement with John F. Milligan, currently Gilead's Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. The original principal amount of the loan was

31


$110,000 with a term of ten years. The loan is non-interest bearing and 50% of the principal amount will be forgiven on a pro rata basis over a period of five years beginning on the sixth anniversary of the loan as long as Dr. Milligan is still employed by Gilead. In the event Dr. Milligan ceases to be employed by Gilead, the loan becomes interest-bearing and due and payable within sixty days of such termination of employment. The loan is secured by a deed of trust on Dr. Milligan's residence. As of December 31, 2003, the outstanding balance of the loan was $110,000.

Indemnity Agreements

        Gilead has entered into indemnity agreements with each of its officers (including the Named Executive Officers) and directors which provide, among other things, that Gilead will indemnify such officer or director, under the circumstances and to the extent provided for therein, for expenses, damages, judgments, fines and settlements he or she may be required to pay in actions or proceedings which he or she is or may be made a party to by reason of his or her position as a director, officer or other agent of Gilead, and otherwise to the full extent permitted under Delaware law and Gilead's bylaws.

Consulting Agreements

        Under a consulting agreement between Gilead and Dr. Berg, a member of Gilead's Board of Directors, Dr. Berg was retained as a member of Gilead's Scientific Advisory Board ("SAB"). As a member of the SAB, Dr. Berg provided ongoing scientific advice to Gilead with respect to the development of new therapeutic substances. In the course of providing services under the consulting agreement, Dr. Berg was required to participate in the full annual meeting of the SAB by meeting with employees of Gilead, consultants and other SAB members, review Gilead's development goals, assist in developing strategies for achieving such goals and to provide advice with respect to Gilead's research and development activities. In addition to his participation in the annual SAB meeting, Dr. Berg provided scientific consulting services upon request, including participation in meetings of the SAB and reasonable telephone consultation. Under the terms of the consulting agreement, Dr. Berg was paid a flat annual fee of $25,000, payable in quarterly installments. Dr. Berg was also reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in providing consulting services, including travel expenses. The consulting agreement was terminated on December 31, 2003, and Dr. Berg is no longer a member of the SAB.

Severance Plan

        Gilead adopted a Severance Plan in January 2003 that provides for severance benefits for employees, including executive officers, upon involuntary termination by Gilead in the event of a company-wide lay-off, departmental reorganization, significant restructuring of an individual's job duties or due to a change in work location of more than 50 miles from the previous location. For executive officers these benefits are: (a) a cash benefit calculated as a multiple of the executive officer's regular salary and most recent actual bonus or current target bonus; (b) outplacement services for a specified period; and (c) continued coverage under Gilead's health and welfare plans for a specified period only if the executive officer has elected to receive the cash salary under the Severance Plan in a series of installment payments.

        The Severance Plan also provides the foregoing benefits for executive officers who are involuntarily terminated or who resign due to certain specified reasons within a designated period following a change in control of Gilead. A change in control would occur in the case of a dissolution or liquidation of Gilead; a merger or consolidation in which Gilead was not the surviving corporation; a reverse merger in which Gilead was the surviving corporation but the shares of common stock were converted into other property; or a capital reorganization involving an exchange of more than 50% of the voting stock of Gilead. If the Chief Executive Officer resigns or is involuntarily terminated following a change in control event, the cash benefit noted in (a) in the preceding paragraph is three times annual regular earnings and bonus if within 24 months following a change in control event and two times annual earnings and bonus upon termination by Gilead in the event of a company-wide lay-off, departmental reorganization, significant restructuring, or change in job location of more than 50 miles. If an

32


Executive Vice President or Senior Vice President resigns or is involuntarily terminated following a change in control, the cash benefit is two and a half times annual regular earnings and bonus if within 18 months following such change in control event and one and a half times annual regular earnings and bonus upon termination by Gilead in the event of a company-wide lay-off, departmental reorganization, significant restructuring, or change in job location of more than 50 miles. An executive officer who qualifies for such change in control benefits under the Severance Plan will also receive an additional cash payment equal to the amount of any estimated excise tax to be imposed on the compensation benefits received under the Severance Plan as well as any other amount payable under any other Gilead compensation program (such as stock option acceleration) deemed to be a parachute payment subject to excise tax.

        No benefits will be paid to executive officers or eligible employees under the Severance Plan if the termination is due to death, for cause, for failure to meet specified performance objectives or for a voluntary resignation (other than as set forth above).

Householding of Proxy Materials

        The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries (e.g., brokers) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with respect to two or more stockholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those stockholders. This process, which is commonly referred to as "householding," potentially means extra convenience for stockholders and cost savings for companies.

        This year, a number of brokers with account holders who are Gilead stockholders will be "householding" our proxy materials. A single proxy statement will be delivered to multiple stockholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from the affected stockholders. Once you have received notice from your broker that they will be "householding" communications to your address, "householding" will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no longer wish to participate in "householding" and would prefer to receive a separate proxy statement and annual report, please notify your broker, direct your written request to Gilead Sciences, Inc., Susan Hubbard, Senior Director, Investor Relations, 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404 or contact ADP Investor Communication Services at 1-800-542-1061. Stockholders who currently receive multiple copies of the proxy statement at their address and would like to request "householding" of their communications should contact their broker.

Other Matters

        The Board knows of no other matters that will be presented for consideration at the Annual Meeting. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying proxy to vote on such matters in accordance with their best judgment.

    By Order of the Board of Directors,

 
 
GRAPHIC

Mark L. Perry
 Secretary

        April 12, 2004

        A copy of Gilead's Annual Report to the Securities and Exchange Commission on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, is available without charge upon written request to Investor Relations, Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Drive, Foster City, California 94404.

33

APPENDIX A


GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.

2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN

        1.    Purpose of the Plan.    The purpose of this Plan is to provide incentives to attract, retain and motivate eligible persons whose present and potential contributions are important to the success of the Company by offering them an opportunity to participate in the Company's future performance. If this Plan is approved by stockholders at the 2004 annual meeting of stockholders, it will replace the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 1991 Stock Option Plan and the Gilead Sciences, Inc. 1995 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Option Plan, no further option grants will be made under those plans, and the remaining shares available for issuance under those plans will be available for issuance under this Plan.

        2.    Definitions.    As used herein, the following definitions shall apply:

A-1

A-2

A-3

        3.    Stock Subject to the Plan.    

A-4

        4.    Administration of the Plan.    

A-5

        5.    Eligibility.    Awards other than Incentive Stock Options may be granted to Employees, Directors and Consultants. Incentive Stock Options may be granted only to Employees of the Company or a Parent or a Subsidiary of the Company. An Employee, Director or Consultant who has been granted an Award may, if otherwise eligible, be granted additional Awards. Awards may be granted to such Employees, Directors or Consultants who are residing in non-U.S. jurisdictions as the Administrator may determine.

        6.    Terms and Conditions of Awards.    

A-6

A-7

A-8

        7.    Award Exercise or Purchase Price; Consideration and Taxes.    

A-9

        8.    Exercise of Award.    

A-10

        9.    Conditions Upon Issuance of Shares.    

        10.    Adjustments Upon Changes in Capitalization.    If any change is made in the Common Stock subject to the Plan, or subject to any Award (through merger, consolidation, reorganization, recapitalization, stock dividend, dividend in property other than cash, stock split, liquidating dividend, combination of shares, exchange of shares, change in corporate structure or otherwise), the Plan will be appropriately adjusted in the class(es) and maximum number of shares subject to the Plan pursuant to Section 3(a), and the maximum number of shares subject to award to any person during any calendar year pursuant to Section 6(g), and the outstanding Awards (other than an Award of Restricted Stock that is outstanding at the time of the event described in this paragraph) will be appropriately adjusted in the classes(es) and the number of shares and price per Share subject to such outstanding Awards, including any price required to be paid for Restricted Stock not yet outstanding at the time of the event described in this paragraph

        11.    Change in Control.    

A-11

        12.    Effective Date and Term of Plan.    The Plan shall become effective upon its approval by the stockholders of the Company. It shall continue in effect for a term of ten years unless sooner terminated. Subject to Applicable Laws, Awards may be granted under the Plan upon its becoming effective.

A-12

        13.    Amendment, Suspension or Termination of the Plan.    

        14.    Reservation of Shares.    

        15.    No Effect on Terms of Employment/Consulting Relationship.    The Plan shall not confer upon any Grantee any right with respect to the Grantee's Continuous Active Service, nor shall it interfere in any way with his or her right or the right of the Company or any Related Entity to terminate the Grantee's Continuous Active Service at any time, with or without Cause, and with or without notice. The ability of the Company or any Related Entity to terminate the employment of a Grantee who is employed at will is in no way affected by its determination that the Grantee's Continuous Active Service has been terminated for Cause for the purposes of this Plan.

        16.    No Effect on Retirement and Other Benefit Plans.    Except as specifically provided in a retirement or other benefit plan of the Company or a Related Entity, Awards shall not be deemed compensation for purposes of computing benefits or contributions under any retirement plan of the Company or a Related Entity, and shall not affect any benefits under any other benefit plan of any kind or any benefit plan subsequently instituted under which the availability or amount of benefits is related to level of compensation. The Plan is not a "Pension Plan" or "Welfare Plan" under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

        17.    Unfunded Obligation.    Grantees shall have the status of general unsecured creditors of the Company. Any amounts payable to Grantees pursuant to the Plan shall be unfunded and unsecured obligations for all purposes, including, without limitation, Title I of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Neither the Company nor any Related Entity shall be required to segregate any monies from its general funds, or to create any trusts, or establish any special accounts with respect to such obligations. The Company shall retain at all times beneficial ownership of any investments, including trust investments, which the Company may make to fulfill its payment obligations hereunder. Any investments or the creation or maintenance of any trust or any Grantee account shall not create or constitute a trust or fiduciary relationship between the Administrator, the Company or any Related Entity and a Grantee, or otherwise create any vested or beneficial interest in any Grantee or the Grantee's creditors in any assets of the Company or a Related Entity. The Grantees shall have no claim against the Company or any Related Entity for any changes in the value of any assets that may be invested or reinvested by the Company with respect to the Plan.

A-13

PROXY

GILEAD SCIENCES, INC.
PROXY SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 25, 2004

        The undersigned hereby appoints John C. Martin and Mark L. Perry, and each of them, as attorneys and proxies of the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all of the shares of stock of Gilead Sciences, Inc. which the undersigned may be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of Gilead Sciences, Inc. to be held at Hotel Sofitel, 223 Twin Dolphin Drive, Redwood City, California on Tuesday, May 25, 2004 at 10:00 a.m., and at any and all continuations and adjournments thereof, with all powers that the undersigned would possess if personally present, upon and in respect of the following matters and in accordance with the following instructions, with discretionary authority as to any and all other matters that may properly come before the meeting.

(Continued, and to be marked, dated and signed, on the other side)

Address Change/Comments (Mark the corresponding box on the reverse side)
  
  
    
^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^

You can now access your Gilead Sciences, Inc. account online.

Access your Gilead Sciences, Inc. shareholder/stockholder account online via Investor ServiceDirect® (ISD).

Mellon Investor Services LLC, Transfer Agent for Gilead Sciences, Inc. now makes it easy and convenient to get current information on your shareholder account.

•    View account status
•    View certificate history
•    View book-entry information
•    Establish/change your PIN		   •    View payment history for dividends
•    Make address changes
•    Obtain a duplicate 1099 tax form

Visit us on the web at http://www.melloninvestor.com

For Technical Assistance Call 1-877-978-7778 between
9am-7pm Monday-Friday Eastern Time

Investor ServiceDirect® is a registered trademark of Mellon Investor Services LLC

    Mark here
for Address
Change or
Comments		   o
    PLEASE SEE REVERSE SIDE

UNLESS A CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED IN PROPOSAL 1, AND FOR PROPOSALS 2, 3 AND 4 AS MORE SPECIFICALLY DESCRIBED IN THE PROXY STATEMENT. IF SPECIFIC INSTRUCTIONS ARE INDICATED, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED IN ACCORDANCE THEREWITH.

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR THE NOMINEES FOR DIRECTOR LISTED BELOW.            
        FOR   WITHHELD
FOR ALL
ITEM 1. To elect eight directors to serve for the next year and until their successors are elected.   o   o
  Nominees:
 01 Paul Berg
02 Etienne F. Davignon
03 James M. Denny
04 John C. Martin		   
05 Gordon E. Moore
06 Nicholas G. Moore
07 George P. Shultz
08 Gayle E. Wilson		            

To withhold authority to vote for any nominee(s), write such nominee(s)' name(s) below:
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
              

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2, 3, 4
        FOR   AGAINST   ABSTAIN
ITEM 2— To ratify the selection by the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Ernst & Young LLP as independent auditors of Gilead for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2004.   o   o   o
        FOR   AGAINST   ABSTAIN
ITEM 3— To approve the adoption of Gilead's 2004 Equity Incentive Plan.   o   o   o
        FOR   AGAINST   ABSTAIN
ITEM 4— To approve an amendment to Gilead's Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the authorized number of shares of Gilead common stock from 500,000,000 to 700,000,000 shares.   o   o   o

 
 
Please sign exactly as your name appears hereon. If the stock is registered in the names of two or more persons, each should sign. Executors, administrators, trustees, guardians and attorneys-in-fact should add their titles. If signer is a corporation, please give full corporate name and have a duly authorized officer sign, stating title. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person. Please vote, date, sign and promptly return this proxy in the enclosed return envelope that is postage prepaid if mailed in the United States.

 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature     
 Signature     
 Date     
NOTE: Please sign as name appears hereon. Joint owners should each sign. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such.
^ FOLD AND DETACH HERE ^

Vote by Internet or Telephone or Mail
24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Internet and telephone voting is available through 11:59 PM Eastern Time
the day prior to annual meeting day.

Your telephone or Internet vote authorizes the named proxies to vote your shares in the same manner as if you marked, signed and returned your proxy card.

     
     
Internet
http://www.eproxy.com/gild		       Telephone
1-800-435-6710		       Mail
                Mark sign and date
Use the internet to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when you access the web site.   OR   Use any touch tone telephone to vote your proxy. Have your proxy card in hand when you call.   OR   your proxy card
and
return it in the
enclosed postage-paid envelope.
     
     

If you vote your proxy by Internet or by telephone,
you do NOT need to mail back your proxy card.

You can view the Annual Report and Proxy Statement
on the internet at http://www.investors.gilead.com



QuickLinks

GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. 333 Lakeside Drive Foster City, California 94404
PROPOSAL 1 ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
PROPOSAL 2 RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 2.
PROPOSAL 3 APPROVAL OF THE GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 3.
PROPOSAL 4 APPROVAL OF INCREASE IN NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR PROPOSAL 4.
Summary of Compensation
Summary Compensation Table
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
SECURITIES AUTHORIZED FOR ISSUANCE UNDER EQUITY COMPENSATION PLANS
Equity Compensation Plan Information
Comparison of Cumulative Total Return on Investment for Past Five Years(1)
GILEAD SCIENCES, INC. 2004 EQUITY INCENTIVE PLAN